The Artist

Thép's quest for knowledge and perfection brought him back to Asia in the late 70's. He went first to Taiwan where he studied under well-known Chinese Masters over several years. Many hours were spent with Chen Ming-shien and Tien Manh-shih, mastering the intricate brush strokes of traditional Chinese painting and learning the way of his Chinese Masters. "Heart and hand in accord" is one of many phrases used to describe the "Tao" or "Way" of Chinese painting.

Japan was Thép's next stop. He immersed in the Japanese culture by studying the language, taking lessons in Kiri-e (paper cutting) and woodblock printing.

Hawaii was the next place to beckon the budding artist in 1983, and Hawaii is the place that Thép refers to as the beginning of his rebirth. After years spent under the strict rules of the Masters, Thép was now free to explore and develop a style of his own. Oil and canvas; watercolors and rice paper; East and West; Yin and Yang; Realism and Impressionism. It took ten years of journeying around the world and a desire strong enough to overcome a variety of obstacles before Thép Thavonsouk finally discovered what he was looking for as an artist. After several years of experimentation, Thép has at last discovered his own place in the world of art.